Mushroom Nutritional Value And Health Benefits Of Mushrooms

Health Benefits Of Mushrooms

• Historical uses: Mushrooms were treasured by the Pharaohs; while, the Greek warriors ate mushrooms during wars to get added strength. The Romans consumed mushrooms during festivals and the Chinese used this for its medicinal properties.
• Mushroom health benefits: Enjoyed for its taste and texture, mushrooms are cooked in various ways and incorporated in an array of dishes that range from the usual to the exotic. Mushrooms are not only tasty, but they also have lots of health benefits.
• With 80% water content, mushrooms are low in calories as well as fat and sodium. These also have lots of fiber, which on the whole, makes it a good food option for hypertensives.
• Packed with potassium, mushrooms are good for lowering high blood pressure and cuts down the risk of stroke. Experts say that a portabella mushroom of medium size has more potassium than a glass of orange juice.
  
  
  
  
• Mushrooms also have copper, and this makes it a hot shot food for the heart.
• Mushrooms also have selenium, niacin and riboflavin. An antioxidant that works its magic when combined with vitamin E, selenium can protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals. Research has shown that men, who consume selenium-rich foods regularly, can actually reduce their risk of prostate cancer.
• Studies have shown that mushrooms are rich in 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that helps to convert testosterone to DHT, and aromatase, which helps in the production of estrogen.  Studies show that button mushrooms with these qualities can actually reduce the risk of breast cancer.
• Mushrooms are also said to be good for the eyesight, blood circulation, migraines, tumors, cancer and impotency.